Back: No. 7 jersey will be mine

When the Lions last went on tour four years ago, Neil Back was content just to make up the numbers.

This time, with his stature in international rugby prompting admiration rather than debate, only one particular number will suffice.

At the time of that successful quest to South Africa, in 1997, Back, who stands 5ft 10in, was still something of a conundrum, bearing in mind the importance of size in the modern game, and his England career had not yet taken off. Now, as the Lions begin their Australian adventure, the Leicester open- side flanker has cemented his position in the back row and, not surprisingly, his expectations have risen.

He said: 'In 1997, because of my lean period in the England team, I didn't really expect to be picked for that Lions tour.

'The day I received the letter telling me I'd made it, I broke down with emotion because it was the greatest honour of my career. It was fantastic just to be a part of it. This time it's all about getting the No.7 jersey for the Test. There is massive competition in the back row.'

Such respect for his rivals is more than a show of politeness. The back-row strength of this squad is best gauged by the quality of the players they have had to leave behind, such as England's Martin Corry and Joe Worsley, David Wallace of Ireland and Northampton's inspirational Scot, Budge Pountney.

Back believes this competitive class and wonderful depth of talent exists throughout the 37-man tour party. He said: 'How they will pick the XV is beyond me.' However, he is wary of becoming over-confident and added: 'In 1997 when we faced South Africa we weren't given a chance by their media, and not even by our own - and we thrived on that. It was a massive incentive.

'This time, after England's defeat of Australia, the strength of the squad and the way northern hemisphere teams are playing, we are given a good chance, which is a different challenge.'

Back has been given an insight into Australian attitudes by Pat Howard, his former Tigers teammate who is heading home in search of more Wallaby caps. 'There's been a bit of banter,' said Back. 'Being an Aussie he'll say: "They're good but we'll still beat themî. But I'm sure he'll be warning them they'll have to be at their best.'

Back was speaking in Leicester at the launch of the Caffreys sponsor-ship deal - the first beer to back the Lions. He claimed to have a working knowledge of most of his fellow tourists, but one player he is looking forward to seeing in action is the boy wonder from Ireland, centre Brian O'Driscoll.

Back said: 'He's obviously very talented but he is still relatively inexperienced at international level. It's always easier in the first season but once people have identified you as a talented player, it's then a matter of improving your game.'

As for the best approach to harnessing O'Driscoll's talent, along with that of fliers like Iain Balshaw and Dan Luger, Back feels that innovation, not imitation, is the way forward: 'It's up to Graham Henry and his coaching staff to go forward with a Lions style of their own - they'd be wrong to try to copy England.'

But while strategies are of the utmost importance, squad spirit is also a crucial ingredient. 'The key is to ensure there's unity between the players and they're enjoying themselves,' said Back. 'I don't know who will emerge as the John Bentley of this tour - he was a character and for me he made that South African tour because he was always having a laugh.

'There are times when you've got to have a few beers - as long as it is just a few. You can wait until you've won the Test series, then you can go mad.'

Given the length of time he has had to wait for his moment in the sun, expect Back to go a little madder than most.